Election set for Tuesday

Wednesday

Oct 31, 2012 at 1:06 PM

By BILL HALL

By BILL HALL

Associate Editor

SWANSEA — While the presidential election has national attention and implications, there are also races locally that will be decided on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. with all voting taking place at Case High School.

Locally, the election will include the run for state representative between incumbent Republican Steven Howitt and challenger, Democrat Dr. A. Keith Carreiro. There is also a race for county commissioner where there are two seats being contested and three candidates. Incumbents John Mitchell and Paul Kitchen have been joined by Paul Levasseur in that race.

The national races see Republican Sean Bielat making a run with Democrat Joseph Kennedy and Independent David Rosa of Dighton for congress where redistricting has left the district open when incumbent James McGovern's district was changed.

For the United States Senate race, incumbent Republican Scott Brown is facing opposition from Democrat Elizabeth Warren.

The presidential race sees incumbent Barack Obama challenged by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney along with Jill Stein of the Green-Rainbow Party and Libertarian Gary Johnson all on the ballot.

There are three questions on the ballot for Precincts 1, 2 and 3 and four for Precincts 4 and 5.

The three that each have deal with the law involving local vehicle repair mechanics having access to diagnostic tool information that dealerships normally do. The sides have come to an agreement and are recommending a no vote on this question.

A second question allows for doctor assisted suicide when the patient is found to have six months or less to live.

A third question is for the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

For Precincts Four and Five, there is a fourth question regarding the requirement of voter identification.

Town Clerk Susan Taveira noted that the question was non binding and was representative district related.